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Flushable Wipes: A Plumbing Nightmare
Nov 30, 2023Due to its convenience, flushable wipes have become an essential part of many households. They offer an efficient way to maintain personal hygiene, an alternative to traditional toilet paper. However, these handy little wipes spark debate about whether or not they are safe to flush, which in some cases, leads to costly plumbing problems.
To shed light on this confusing discussion, this article will delve into the benefits and convenience offered by flushable wipes. We’ll also tackle the environmental and plumbing impacts of using them and whether or not these types of wipes are really flushable or not.
Understanding Flushable Wipes
What are Flushable Wipes?
Flushable wipes are sanitary products designed to maintain cleanliness and personal hygiene. They are widely used in every household because of the effectiveness and convenience it provides. Its soft texture, moisture content, and soothing ingredients make it the go-to substitute product for toilet paper.
Moreover, this type of wipes is more convenient to use compared to regular wipes because of its flushable feature, meaning they can be safely flushed down the toilet. They are made from materials that are easy to disintegrate and break down in water, reducing the risk of clogs and blockages in plumbing systems.
The Pros & Cons
Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using flushable wipes, helping you make an informed decision about whether they’re the right choice for your needs.
Pros of Flushable Wipes
- Convenience
- Hygiene
- Biodegradability
Cons of Flushable Wipes
- Many flushable wipes are not truly flushable, as they don’t break down quickly, leading to potential plumbing issues.
- Even if labelled as biodegradable, they can still contribute to water pollution when not disposed of correctly
Issues Surrounding Flushable Wipes
As they are often marketed, flushable wipes are supposed to be safe to be flushed down the toilet. However, it is important to note that not all products labelled as “flushable” are created equal and some may not easily disintegrate as claimed. This has led to concerns about clogs in household plumbing and the problems in wastewater treatment facilities.
Let’s explore these concerns to better understand the challenges posed by flushable wipes:
Environmental Issues
Flushable wipes eventually do disintegrate, however, in a much slower manner compared to toilet paper. As a result, they can accumulate in sewage systems and wastewater treatment facilities which leads to the following:
Water Pollution
When these wipes enter wastewater treatment facilities, they can accumulate and lead to water pollution.
Leave Residues
Even if they break down to some extent, flushable wipes can leave behind microplastics in the environment. These tiny plastic particles can be harmful to aquatic life and ecosystems.
Harms Aquatic Life
In some cases, flushed wipes can escape treatment facilities and enter bodies of water like rivers and oceans which in turn can pose great harm to marine organisms.
Plumbing Issues
Flushable wipes can lead to accumulations due to slower disintegration. This may result in plumbing inconveniences and emergencies due to faulty and inefficient plumbing system which includes:
Clogs
Flushable wipes are notorious for causing clogs because they do not break down as fast as toilet paper, leading to blockages that disrupt your daily household activities.
Sewer Overflows
Flushable wipes can accumulate in wastewater systems, causing sewage blockages and overflows. These overflows can pose a significant environmental and health hazard.
Infrastructure Damage
Over time, as flushable wipes continue to block pipes, they can damage the infrastructure of your plumbing system, leading to costly repairs and maintenance.
Are Flushable Wipes Really Safe to Flush?
The question of whether flushable wipes are genuinely safe to flush is a matter of discussion. While they are designed to break down in water, the reality can be far from the claims. Some flushable wipes may meet certain industry standards, but others may not.
In Australia, for example, it is essential to read product labels and look for products that bear the standard flushable logo. These products are tested and pass the required Australian Standards that certify their flushability. With the recent implementation of AS/NZS 5328:2022, the standards and procedures for establishing the suitability of products for disposal via toilet flushing are established, ensuring consumers that the certain product is indeed safe to be flushed down the toilet.
As consumers, it’s crucial to be aware of these standard implementations to help you make informed choices regarding the usage and disposal of flushable wipes to mitigate their potential consequences.
Final Thoughts
Flushable wipes undeniably offer convenience and improved personal hygiene, but they come with potentially significant disadvantages. With the aid of the new standard released by Australia Standards, the misleading labelling of some flushable products will no longer confuse consumers and set clear criteria for the flushability of sanitary products. This move aims to reduce blockages in the household plumbing system and wastewater problems brought by flushing down products that are not really flushable or those that take longer time to disintegrate.
So, are flushable wipes truly flushable? The answer largely depends on the product and whether it complies with the new standard. While this standard is a significant step toward ensuring safe flushable products, it’s crucial to exercise caution and check for the new flushable logo when in doubt. Proper disposal, as advised, is a responsible practice.
For more informative tips and insights regarding plumbing, we encourage you to explore our blogs. Additionally, if you ever encounter plumbing issues or emergencies resulting from flushable wipes, or other plumbing concerns like leaking toilets or septic tanks issues, don’t hesitate to book a plumbing service with Eze-Flow Plumbing!
We’re here to provide professional solutions, ensuring the smooth and hassle-free operation of your plumbing system. Remember, informed decisions today lead to a trouble-free tomorrow.
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